Seamless Exchange of Immunization Data: A Population Health Priority

In March, the HIMSS Immunization Integration Program (IIP) recognized the first set of electronic health record (EHR) products that fulfilled testing requirements and program guidelines for digital immunization data capabilities. The six products recognized represent more than 25% of the EHR market.

Qvera, among those recognized, was one of the earliest testers approved by the IIP. Learn more about their experience from Ron Shapiro, vice president and CTO of Qvera, HIMSS IIP participant and member of the IIP Technical Advisory Panel.

Why Streamlined Digital Immunization Data Is Vital

Having access to the correct immunization histories helps healthcare providers care for the most vulnerable people in society. Children and adults who may not be able to communicate their vaccine history are well-served when their provider has easy, real-time access to their aggregate vaccine history.

Immunization programs like the IIP are put into place as a population health management tools to help eliminate preventable diseases. By eliminating those diseases, we’re improving the quality of life for millions across the nation.

The IIP is designed to ensure that facilitators of interoperability are able to guarantee that the immunization data can flow both ways. The benefit is realized when we are able to get that data seamlessly back to the provider so that on their screen and in the EHR, they can see the complete immunization history.

Why Qvera Decided to Participate in the HIMSS IIP

Qvera recognizes the value in these cooperative testing efforts – both by customers using the interoperability solutions, as well as solution providers. When a solution provider participates in a testing effort, they typically find areas for improvement and which improve the end-product.

Since we already had the processes in place to successfully interoperate with nearly all of the immunization registries in the country, we were confident that we already had everything that would be necessary to pass the IIP testing – and it turns out we were correct.

Though these solutions are very comprehensive, we found that having additional resources and contacts from the IIP ensured a smooth implementation for us. As more people get involved with the IIP, it can also help decrease the total cost of interoperability across the health IT landscape.

Health IT’s Role in Promoting Immunization Awareness

New vaccines are constantly being developed, as well as updates to vaccine schedules. Health IT plays an important role in streamlining the workflows that enable clinicians to deliver the most up-to-date care, while also helping prevent the spread of disease. 

Through health IT, providers can easily identify the patients in need of those vaccines, educate those patients and then provide the service. Workflows like this improve population health, reduce associated costs and improve both the patient and provider experience in health delivery. It also makes it easier for patients to stay up-to-date with vaccinations.

We recognize the value of the IIP, and encourage all organizations exploring immunization solutions to jump on board. Your involvement will contribute to more efficient workflows that keep immunization data flowing both ways, while also improving public health.

Hear from Our Participants
Leveraging Information Technology to Improve Vaccination Rates in America’s Communities
Increase Vaccination Rates: Adopt a Common Framework for Digital Immunization Data
Seamless Exchange of Immunization Data: A Population Health Priority
Let’s Make it Easier for Providers to Track Immunizations